Relay switching apparatus

ABSTRACT

A relay switching apparatus of particular utility in telephone switching installations is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetically actuatable switching arrangements encapsulated in a protective cartridge. The magnetic circuits of each switching arrangement includes first and second polestrips and an armature having its movable end extended into an air-gap formed by the two polestrips. The operating parts and the supports for the operating parts are clamped in a self-gripping manner onto at least one separator piece which determines the size of the air-gap, and these parts are so secured to one another as to form a mechanical unity. The switching arrangements are divided into at least two construction groups with the construction groups being positioned one over the other, and the switching arrangements are placed in each construction group such that pairs are formed with the switching arrangements in the other construction group. The switching arrangements are clamped between the above described supports, and a case connects the supports in such a manner as to form therewith a protective cartridge enclosing all of the switching arrangements. The construction groups formed a switching arrangement compressed against the sides of the walls of the cartridge by pressure strips. Each pair of switching arrangements have a common electrical energizing circuit which includes a winding and a soft iron yoke with the shoulders of the yoke extending outside of the cartridge and being magnetically coupled to the second pole pieces in the cartridge.

United States Patent Braumann et al.

[54] RELAY SWITCHING APPARATUS [72] Inventors: Gundokar Braumann, Munich; Walter Klor, l-lofenschaftlam; Albert Huber, Unterpfaffenhofen, all of Germany [73] Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Berlin and Munich, Germany 1 Filed: Oct. 27, 1970 App1.No.: 84,441

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Bernutz et a1. .....335/l12 Kunz et a1 ..335/l12 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 453,436 6/1968 Switzerland ..335/1 12 1 June 13, 1972 Primary Examiner-Harold Broome Attorney-Birch, Swindler, McKie & Beckett ABSTRACT A relay switching apparatus of particular utility in telephone switching installations is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of magnetically actuatable switching arrangements encapsulated in a protective cartridge. The magnetic circuits of each switching arrangement includes first and second polestrips and an armature having its movable end extended into an air-gap formed by the two polestrips. The operating parts and the supports for the operating parts are clamped in a selfgripping manner onto at least one separator piece which determines the size of the air-gap, and these parts are so secured to one another as to form a mechanical unity. The switching arrangements are divided into at least two construction groups with the construction groups being positioned one over the other, and the switching arrangements are placed in each construction group such that pairs are formed with the switching arrangements in the other construction group. The switching arrangements are clamped between the above described supports, and a case connects the supports in such a manner as to form therewith a protective cartridge enclosing all of the switching arrangements. The construction groups formed a switching arrangement compressed against the sides of the walls of the cartridge by pressure strips. Each pair of switching arrangements have a common electrical energizing circuit which includes a winding and a soft iron yoke with the shoulders of the yoke extending outside of the cartridge and being magnetically coupled to the second pole pieces in the cartridge.

12 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJum I972 4 3.670.272

sum nor 8 ,Fig.7cl 82 919395998791.

PATEHTEDJUN 13 1972 saw 70F 8 1 RELAY swrrcumo APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a relay unit of the type having a multiplicity of magnetically actuatable switching arrangements encapsulated in a protective cartridge. The relay's magnetic circuits possess in any given case a first and a second pole as well as an armature which is movable and extending into the working air-gap formed by the two poles. The functional parts or supports for the functional parts in the relay are clamped in a self-gripping manner to form a mechanical unity with a separator piece, which determines the size of the working air-gaps. Such relays are especially useful as switching matrix relays for telephone installations.

Switching relays of the above type are especially advantageously adapted for automated production which is being increasingly utilized in modern production processes. All elements of such a relay may be manufactured as simple stamped parts and can be attached to form a mechanical unity with the separator parts by means of their self-gripping clamping without additional expenditures for clamping parts and work steps. The usual automated operations generally disturb the adjustment of the relay, by means of the separator piece which determines the size of the working air-gap. Switching relays of this type have proven particularly useful in telephone switching centers, where a multiplicity of such relays must be reliably used and housed in the smallest possible space, because of their simple and space saving construction and encapsulated form.

It is known in the prior art, from DBP 1,252,320 to utilize a switching relay of the above type in a multiple arrangement as a combination relay unit. However, some disadvantages come to light in the attempts to provide an arrangement of the functional parts and separator parts in a space saving multiple arrangement. Multiple wiring, which is especially necessary in telephone switching centers has caused numerous problems and the guidance of the magnetic flux has proven difficult.

Based on the above described state of the art it is an object of the present invention to improve a relay unit of the described type so that the space requirements will be reduced in comparison with the known arrangements.

Another object is to simplify the wiring in. multiple switching arrangements.

A further object is to provide such a relay wherein the magnetic resistance in the magnetic circuits will be improved.

An additional object is to provide a universal manner of construction for such relays, which is adapted for a polarized as well as for a neutral manner of operation of the relays.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing and other objects will be achieved in accordance with the invention in that the switching arrangements are sub-divided into construction group systems similar among themselves, which in any given case possess a pressure strip, at least two armature spring strips with armatures and first hold strips envisioned for each switching arrangement. The device further includes contact strips with second hold strips for each switching arrangement, distance rolls arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the construction group system, and finally a support with connectors, on which the switching arrangements which are connected through the clamping to form a mechanical unity are attached. All switching arrangements are arranged in aligned pairs and with the unmoved ends of the armature directed to the center axis of the construction group system arranged axially symmetrically in a single plane. Further, the two construction group systems within a protective cartridge formed from the two supports and a case binding the two supports will be pressed against the case walls over the pressure strips, which are turned to each other and which brace against each other either directly or over interrnediately placed building parts. Each two switching arrangements arranged over each other and such disturbance is prevented are assigned a common external energizing circuit which consists of at least one activator coil and a soft iron yoke whose free ends are magnetically coupled on the outside of the protective cartridge with the second hold strips of these two switching arrangements.

Through these measures an especially space saving construction will be achieved, because as a consequence of the transverse arrangement of the separator rolls, two rolls of switching arrangements per construction group system can be arranged very close to each other. Each two switching arrangements of the two systems, which switching arrangements lie above each other, are actuatable through a common external energizing circuit, and a permanent magnet common to all switching arrangements can be arranged for the polarization of the relay unit. The wiring of the switching equipment especially a multiple wiring of the same, can be carried out in a very space saving manner, because it can be pulled through longitudinally over the construction group system in agreement with the departure direction of the connectors out of the protective cartridge. That is, even the armature spring strips can be directly used in multiples. Further, favorable magnetic relations in the magnetic circuit of the switching arrangement will be created, because the armature, armature spring strip, and first pole strip can lie directly next to each other without electrical insulation in the contemplated arrangement of the parts and the wiring. Thus, the magnetically damaging air-gap between the armature and the first hold strip is reduced to a minimum. Additionally, this direct connection of the armature spring strip and the first polestrip takes care of a stiffening of the armature spring strip and thereby adds advantageous mechanical stability to the entire system.

Finally, a further advantage appears in that, if necessary, a permanent magnet also common for all the switching arrangements can be arranged so that the switching arrangements can work either neutrally or polarized according to choice. This, of course, increases the area of application of the relay unit. It is therefore, of especial importance that for the neutral and the polarized operating forms a fundamentally similar construction of the relay unit and of its individual parts can be used, and at the same time, the demands for space saving construction can also be fulfilled in the polarized operating form, because a single permanent magnet common for all the switching arrangements of the relay unit can be arranged.

If, in accord with further development of the invention, the case of the protective cartridge is tightly connected with the two supports of the two construction group systems and filled with a protective gas atmosphere, the life of the switching arrangement is increased significantly in a manner known per se, because they on the one hand are protected mechanic and on the other hand the where of the contacts is produced significantly in the protective gas atmosphere. It is useful for this reason, if the case and the supports are produced of non-magnetic metal, and the connectors are passed through the supports over meltable glass pressure plugs. A metallic protective cartridge of this type can be in the first case, produced in exact dimensions and above all reliably sealed in a gas-tight manner, and offers secondly, an especially stable mechanical construction, whereby the passage of connectors over meltable glass pressure plugs already, a long proven method in the relay technology is facilitated.

If, in accord with a further development of the invention, lamina are formed through corresponding stamping operations on the armature spring strip which serve the movable positioning of the armature, which is advantageously attached to the armature spring strip through spot welding, and at the same time serves for the return of the armature to its rest position, then additional parts for the movable positioning of the do not build up i The armature of a switching relay can, of course, be used directly as the contact giving member. If, however, in accord with a further development of the invention, the previously mentioned lamina extend beyond the armature in its longitudinal direction and the free endof the lamina is developed as a contact tongue, there is yielded without additional costs a contact member with especially favorable characteristics. Through this development, a separation between the magnetic path over the armature itself and the electrical path over the contact is achieved, which is connected with the well-known advantage of the application of the so-called contact over stroke-principle. That is, the contact tongue can come into electrical contact with its opposing contact in the stroke of the armature, before the armature itself comes firmly to rest against its opposing member. This brings about a certain overstroke on the part of the contact tongue and thereby the formation of a contact without any defects is guaranteed.

It is thereby useful, when in accord with a further development of the invention, the contact tongue is covered with contact material and'is developed as a double contact by splitting or slitting into two contact tongues. This measure increases the switching certainty and assures a low ohmic connection,

which is especially important in telephone installations. Good contact is further'facilitated, if, in accord with the invention, the second hold strip is equipped with a contact member which works with the contact tongue to give a good contact.

.A further development of the invention envisions that each two switching arrangements which are aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis of a construction group system possess a contact strip which is developed as a common part. Through this measure the number of individual parts in production will be reduced.

If, in accord with further development of the invention, the armature spring strips and the contact strips are developed as electric leads, which advantageously would be provided with connecting flaps, which are connected with the connecting elements, then connecting difficulties with flexible leads will be avoided, especially in view of movable armature and also the armature spring strip as also the contact strip can be used in a space saving manner for the electrical multiplication or duplication of at least one group of switching arrangements.

The gripping elements for the gripping of the functional parts or supports of the functional parts will be, in accord with a preferred working example of the invention, produced to appropriatestamping and bending of the pressure strip, the armature spring strips and the contact strips in single pieces from these sheets or strips. In thismanner, separate gripping elements and their attachment will be spared, and a defectfree positioning of the parts even over a long period of use is thereby assured through the single piece development.

If the gripping element is formed, in accord with a further development of the invention, as a two-pronged, fork-shaped spring elastic flap arranged primarily perpendicular to the plane of the strip, whose tongues with front surfaces facing each other partially grip under tension the separator roll perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, then this gives the assurance of a slit free positioning of the parts, because the tongues oppose a movement along the longitudinal axis of the separator roll. This arrangement also insures that harmful tolerances of the size of the working air-gap are practically impossible, because in the envisioned clamping method the strips will be firmly pressed against the separator roll without allowing the torsions or sliding movements which arise on the gripping element to make themselves disadvantageously noticeable.

An undesired bending of the pressure strip in the area between the gripping elements and thereby a tolerance change in the position of the clamped functional parts to each other will be reliably prevented in that, in accord with a further development of the invention angles or corners are formed on the pressure strip, with which it props or holds itself in the clamped position in the area between the clasping elements on the separator roll.

The relay unit can, in accord with the invention, be equipped with a permanent magnet common to all the switching elements. With the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet the armatures will be held in their given switching position. Through this possibility of using a single permanent magnet for all of the switching arrangements, the number of the individual parts of relay units with polarized switching arrangements and thereby also the space requirements will be very significantly reduced. Also, the relay unit can be used for switching tasks which require a hold operation so that the area of operation of the relay unit in accord with the invention is significantly increased. It is thereby of special advantage that the relay unit and its individual parts are practically identical for both operating forms and differ only in that between the two pressure strips which face each other in the protective cartridge of the two construction group systems either a permanent magnet, a fiux guidance member or only a separator piece may be inserted.

By this arrangement, special building elements for the mechanical fastening of the permanent magnet may be saved if in accord with the arrangement of the invention the permanent magnet is arranged in the-symmetrical axis of the protective cartridge between the two pressure strips and is held by spring flaps formed from the pressure strip.

In a similar manner, additional parts for the suspension of the two construction group systems within the protective car tridge can be avoided if in accord with a further development of the invention spring flaps are formed on the pressure strip by which the two pressure strips of the two construction group systems encapsulated in the protective cartridge hold each other or prop each other apart either directly or with the insertion in between of flux guidance parts or separating elements.

If, in accord with a further development of the invention, corrugations are formed in the case of the protective cartridge on which lay the separator rolls of the two construction group systems encapsulated in the protective cartridge with a part of their free surfaces and with a part of their front surfaces, it produces the advantage that without expenditure of labor and without adjustments an exact positioning of the two construction group systems in the protective cartridge is assured by the equalization of inherent tolerances of the parts, and furthermore, a sliding of the two systems within the protective cartridge is ruled out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be best understood by reference to a description of preferred embodiments given hereinbelow in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a hold relay unit encapsulated in a protective cartridge by a partially exploded and enlarged representation in a top view;

FIG. 2 illustrates a complete relay unit in a top view;

FIG. 3 is the relay unit in FIG. 2 in a front side view;

FIG. 4 illustrates a relay unit assembled in a perforated plate in simplified perspective representation;

FIG. 5 illustrates a construction group of multiple relay units in a simplified perspective representation;

FIG. 6 is a section view through a hold relay unit in enlarged representation;

FIGS. 7a, b and c illustrates the magnetic manner of operation of a hold switching arrangement in three different conditions of activation;

FIG. 8a illustrates the contact members of a switching ar-' rangement in the rest position;

FIG. 8b illustrates the contact members of the switching arrangement in accord with FIG. 8a in the operating position;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the switching scheme of a contact cartridge with 16 switching arrangements;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the switching at the magnet circuits of a 16 contact hold relay unit;

FIG. 11a is a top view of the case of a protective cartridge;

FIG. 11b is a section AB through the arrangement according to FIG. 1 la;

FIG. 11c is the enlarged section C from the arrangement according to FIG. 11b, and

FIG. 12 is a section through the switching arrangements of a hold relay unit encapsulated in a protective cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the arrangement according to FIG. 1 there are shown two supports, one or two are preferably of metallic material, on which are attached in the shown working example an 8 contact system with three or four switching arrangements. These two systems including their supports are developed in the same manner among themselves and are merely arranged over each other into planes rotated by 180", so that their connectors, which are labeled with 5 and 6, respectively, extend in opposite directions. These connectors are grasped tightly and passed through the supports 1 and 2 over meltable glass pressure plugs not visible in the drawing and soldered or welded as electric leads in the manner that can be seen more clearly, for example, from FIGS. 9 and with the connecting flaps 7 and 8 of the switching arrangements. These serve simultaneously for the mechanical support of the named system of switching arrangements on the corresponding support. The systems themselves constitute complete construction elements, whereby, each system possesses one pressure strip 9 or 10 common or all its switching arrangements and two armature spring strips 11 and 12 or 13 and 14. Also in common for the switching arrangements, arranged left or right of the center axis, are first pole strips 15 and 16 for each switching arrangement by common contact strips 17 or 18 for each two switching arrangements lying next to each other transverse to the longitudinal axis of the system, with in any given case to second pole strips 19 and 20 or 21 and 22, and finally five ceramic separator rolls 23. Of these parts the pressure strips 9 and 10 are developed in a somewhat H form of non-magnetic spring material, whereby the two transverse strips of which only the transverse strip 24 or 25 is visible, serve for the mechanical installation of the system on the named supports 1 and 2 and for the purpose of mechanical stiffening a formed corrugation 26 or 27.

Flaps 28, 29 and are punched out and bent on the center strips of the pressure strip, of which the flaps 28 serve as distance holders against the separator rolls 23 and the flaps 29 and 30 serve for mechanical holding of a permanent magnet 31, common to both systems.

The armature spring strips 11 through 14 also produced from non-magnetic material form for each switching arrangement punched projections in the form of tongues, on which an armature which is not visible in the drawing is advantageously movably attached by the means of a spot welding. These tongues are slit at the free end, so that in any given case two contact tongues 32 and 33 are formed, and these extend beyond the armature and in its operating position work together with a contact member 34 to give a contact. The first pole strips 15 and 16 are attached to the armature spring strips in an electrically conducting manner and serve for the internal conduction of flux. The contact strips 17 and 18 are also of non-magnetic material and support the previously mentioned second pole strips 19 through 22, which serve for the magnetic coupling of the switching arrangements to the corresponding external activator circuits of the relay unit, which are not shown. Each of these second pole strips is equipped with a previously mentioned contact member 34, which is positioned opposite the previously mentioned contact tongues 32 and 33 transverse to their longitudinal axis.

The combination of all these parts of a system into a mechanical unity is produced in the following way. Gripping elements 35, formed by corresponding stamping and bending operations are on the pressure strip 9 and 10, are on the armature spring strips 11 through 13 equipped with first pole strips and armatures and on the contact strips 17 and 18 provided with second pole strips and contact members, which are clamped under springing frictional connection from opposing sides in a self-supporting manner to the separator 23. The armatures thereby remain in their rest position opposite the second pole strips under partial overlap in a separation which constitutes the working aingap of the switching arrangement. The size of this working air-gap is determined by the separator piece, on which the parts attached in the previously mentioned manner lie.

Both systems 3 and 4 are encapsulated in an operationready position under a protective gas atmosphere in a protective cartridge. The latter is formed of non-magnetic material by gas type soldering or welding of the two supports 1 and 2 to the case 36. This case 36 takes care of, in addition, the mechanical positioning of the two systems in the longitudinal direction. For this purpose are formed corrugation 37 and 38, of which the corrugation 37 is pressed on the separator roll and of which the corrugation 38 lies on the front face of the separator roll 23 and fixes it transverse to the longitudinal axis of the system. The spring flaps on the pressure strip take care of an equilization of or compensation for any discrepancy in tolerances of the parts and of a firm positioning of both systems perpendicular to their planes, which are arranged in a manner not shown in the drawing under the permanent magnet 31, and which holds the two systems in their asserted positions under pressure against the case walls. The activation of the switching arrangements takes place over external energizing circuits with coils or windings, which are not shown. Their description is accomplished in the frame of the following explanations.

In the relay unit schematically represented in FIG. 2 the number 39 represents a protective cartridge in which a total of 16 relays are arranged encapsulated under a protective gas atmosphere, and the electrical connections for these are accomplished over connecting elements 40. The parts 41 are uniform soft iron yokes, which together with the energizing windings 42, which encompass their base bars, constitute the external energizing circuit of the relay unit. The ends of the open shoulders of the yokes 41 are positioned opposite to the pole strips (not visible) arranged in the inside of the protective cartridge, and produced in any given case the magnetic connection of 2 switching arrangements which lie on top of each other with the external activator circuit. The shown relay unit contains a total of 16 switching arrangements, to which the eight external energizing circuits shown belong.

The front side view of the relay unit in accord with FIG. 3 shows once again the protective cartridge 39 with the connectors 40 of the switching arrangement and allows the U formed development of the yokes 41 with the energizing windings 42 being clearly recognizable. The drawing shows further meltable glass pressure bubbles over which the connectors 40 are passed in a gas-tight manner out of the cartridge.

The arrangement according to FIG. 4 shows a perforated plate 43 of insulating material, on which a relay unit 44 with a switching arrangement encapsulated in a protective cartridge 45 is assembled. The connectors 46 which emerge from the protective cartridge 45 and also the connectors 47 from the windings 49 arranged on the external energizing circuits 48 are bent to one side at right angles and passed through the holes on the perforated plate 43, so that the construction unity is adapted for connection to a circuit part of the known type.

Such an arrangement of a plurality of relay units assembled on a perforated plate can be seen from the FIG. 5. A circuit board of known construction with connectors 51 is represented there with the number 50. On this board a total of 15 or 16 relay units 52 of the type shown in FIG. 4 are assembled. Such a circuit board is advantageously adapted for telephone installations, for example, as a through-switching arrangement in a telephone coordinate field.

The relay unit represented in FIG. 6 possesses two systems 53 and 54 of switching arrangements, which are encapsulated under a protective atmosphere in a protective cartridge, which consists of a case 55 of non-magnetic metal and of two closing covers, of which only the one shown with the numeral 56 is visible. These two closing covers simultaneously serve as mechanical force for the previously mentioned two systems of switching arrangements and possess connectors 57 which are electrically connected with the individual switching arrangements, and which are passed in a gas-tight manner out of the protective cartridge over meltable gas pressure plugs 58. Each system possesses a pressure strip 59 or 60 common to all of its switching arrangements. The pressure strip is preferably made of spring elastic material and possesses bent flaps 61 with which it holds itself away from the separator roll 62. It also possesses flaps 63 which serve for the holding of a permanent magnet 64 common to all of the switching arrangements of the relay unit.

Gripping elements 65 are formed on the pressure strips through corresponding stamping and bending operations. It is with these gripping elements that the pressure strip is clamped to the separator roll 62 under spring friction contact in a selfholding manner. The pressure strips possess bent tongues which are not shown in more detail over which the two systems brace against each other and are fixed firmly in the protective cartridge whereby the separator rolls 62 lie against the corrugations 66 and 67 formed in the case 55.

Each system possesses two armature spring strips 68 and 69 or 70 and 71 which are equipped in each switching arrangement with flux strips 72 and with armatures 73 the latter of whichare movably positioned on stamped tongues not shown in greater detail. The attachment of these armature spring strips is achieved similarly as by the pressure strips over gripping elements 74 which in .a self-holding manner are clamped with the separator rolls 62. Each system possesses contact strips 75 or 76, which in any given case are common to two switching arrangements arranged next to each other in the same plane. These contact strips are attached once again with grip ing elements 77onto the separator rolls 62 in a selfholding manner and are equipped with pole strips 78 for each switching arrangement. The pole strips partially overlap in an apparent manner with the armature 73 and in any given case shows contact member 79 which is the operating position of the armature works together with the not recognizable contact tongue to give a contact, which contact tongues extend beyond the armature and are formed by slittingof the tongue from the armature spring strip which supports the armature. Each armature and the corresponding pole strip are positioned in the rest position of the armature opposite each other a separation distance which determines the working air-gap of the switching arrangement. Thus, the air-gap is determined by the separator roll, on which the named parts lie.

The relay unit is equipped also with external energizing circuits, which are built up of Uformed yokes 80 with energizing windings 81 and 'over which two switching arrangements which are arranged over each other are actuatable whereby the permanent magnet 64 holds the armature in the operating position even after the switching off of the activation.

The magnetic manner of operation of the relay unit in accord with the invention is explained with reference to the FIGS. 7a through 0, whereby the function of two switching arrangements a and b are simultaneously actuatable by one external energizing circuit with U-formed yokes 82 and energizing windings 83 is more clearly explained.

If the energizing winding 83 has no current, and if the two armatures labeled with 84 and 85 of the two switching arrangements a and b in accord with FIG. 7a are in the rest position, then the permanent magnet flux which goes out from the permanent magnet 86 and which is common to all the switching arrangements of the relay unit passes over the flux path shown as a dotted line. That is, it passes over the armature 84 and 85 then by branching on the one side over the flux strips labeled with the numerals 87 and 88 and on the other side over the working air-gap labeled with numerals 89 or 90, the pole strips 91 or 92 and the flux yoke 82. Because the magnetic resistance in the first named flux path over the flux strips is adjusted to be smaller, as is that over the external energizing circuit, the two armatures 84 and 85 will be held in their shown rest position, even without the'etfects of the armature return spring which is not shown in any greater detail. If, in accord with FIG. 7b, the energizing winding 83, has current passing therethrough, then a working flux will be created, as is shown in the drawing, which closes over the flux yoke 82, the working air-gap 89 or 90, the movable part of the armature 84 or and the flux strip 87 or 88.

In this arrangement there takes place a positioning with the permanent magnet flux described in FIG. 7a, which leads to an addition in the working air-gap and on the other hand to a subtraction in the rest air-gap of the two fluxes, and which produces a change in position of the armature 84 or 85 out of its rest position into an operating position, as is shown in the final phase in FIG. 70. In this operating position the contact tongues 93 or 94, which are mechanically connected with the armatures, meet the contact members 95 or 96 which are connected with the pole strips 91 or 92 and form together with these a working contact. The permanent magnet flux and, as much as it is present, also the working flux which goes out from the energizing winding 83, as is shown. If the energizing winding is switched OK, the armatures, under the influence of the permanent magnet, remain further in their working positions, until the energizing windings once again, however with the opposite polarity, have currents pass therethrough and a positioning of the two magnet fluxes in the working air-gaps is created, which returns the armatures once again to their rest position in accord with FIG. 7a.

From the FIGS. 8a and 8b can be seen more clearly the previously mentioned individual parts of a switching arrangement which actually take part in the contact and indeed in these two figures are represented by the numeral 97 a lamina, by the numeral 98 the contact tongues, which are in the same plane, by the numeral 99 an armature, by the numeral 100 a pole strip, by the numeral 101 a contact member and by the numeral 102 a contact strip. The lamina 97 is stamped from an armature spring strip (not shown) and supports the armature 99 which is fastened to it in a movable manner, whereby it simultaneously serves as armature return spring. The contact tongues 98 are produced by this slitting or splitting of the lamina 97 and extend in apparent manner beyond the armature 99 whereby' they can be covered with contact material of the known type at least in the region which lies opposite the contact member l0l-for improving the contact. The pole strip 100 supports .the contact member 101 and is on its side mechanically and electrically connected with the contact strip 102 in the rest position of the armature according to FIG. 8a the free end of the armature 99 and the polestrip 100 which partially overlaps the armature form a working air-gap 103.

If the armature is in its operating position in accord with FIG. 8b, whereby it lies on the pole strip, then the contact tongues 98, which are taken along in the movement of the armature lie on contact member 101 and form together with them a working contact, the electrical. connection for which takes place over now shown connections electrically connected with the contact member 101, on the one side over the contact spring strip and the lamina 97 with the contact tongues 98 and on the other side over the contact strip 102 and the pole strip 100. As can easily be seen from the drawing the contact arrangement works according to the so called contact over stroke principle. That is, the contact tongue 98 already lies on the contact member 101 before the armature 99 lies firmly on the pole strip 100. The contact tongues receive therefore, a certain over-stroke, when the armature is completely pulled over, and in this manner a secure low resistance contact is 1 produced.

FIG. 9 shows in a schematic perspective representation the wiring of the switching arrangements 105 of a 16 contact relay tors 106 are required, as opposed to the case of individual connection where a total of 32 connectors would be required.

In FIG. the part 107 represents a protective cartridge with two closing covers 108 and 109 through which connectors 111 are passed over meltable glass pressure plugs 110. The connectors 111 are electrically connected with the switching arrangements 112 arranged inside the protective cartridge under a protective gas atmosphere. In the preferred embodiment shown there are a total of 16 switching arrangements present of which only 8 are visible. They are divided into two systems, which in any given case are assembled on one of the two closing covers 108 and 109 as supports and are arranged in two planes over each other with their faces in a 180 relationship with one another. A common permanent magnet is assigned to all of the switching arrangements, which magnet is labeled with the number 113.

In the simplified representation each switching arrangement possesses an armature lamina 114 with two contact tongues 115, a contact strip 116 with a pole strip 117 and a contact member 118. Each two switching arrangements arranged over each other possess a common external energizing circuit which consists of a flux yoke 119 with an energizing winding 120 and corresponding switching members 121. If such energizing circuit has current pass through it with the correct polarity, then in spite of the multiple circuitry only the two switching arrangements which belong to this energizing circuit will be activated, as can be seen from the switching arrangements labeled with the numerals 122. A switching arrangement which is activated in this manner continues to hold its armature in the operating position, when the current is'switched off, because the magnetic flux which goes out from the permanent magnet 113 holds the armature in its operating position. Only when the energizing circuit is onceagain put under current with the opposite polarity, does the armature return to its rest position.

The FIGS. 11a and 110 show a case 123 as a part ofa protective cartridge for the gas-type encapsulation of switching arrangements. In this case are formed corrugations 124 and 125. These serve in a manner which is more clearly seem from FIG. 110 for the fixing of the separator rolls 126 and therewith finally the parts of the switching arrangement arranged in this case clamped on this separator roll of which parts pressure strip 127 an armature spring strip 128 and a contact strip 129 as shown. The corrugations 124 press perpendicularly to the plane of the case and thereby on the separator rolls, while the corrugations 125 prevent a sliding of the separator rolls in their longitudinal direction. Thereby, the pressure transmitted by the corrugations 124 to the separator rolls 126 is transmitted in a previously described manner to the spring flaps, not shown, of the pressure strips 127, so that a certain equilization or compensation of tolerances of the parts which might be present enters in, and the two systems of switching arrangement arranged in their protective cartridge are pressed under tension against the case wall.

The operating example of the invention shown in FIG. 12, differs from the one according to FIG. 6 principally in that first, the switching arrangements are unpoled, that is no permanent magnet is envisioned, and that second, the fixing of the separator rolls in the direction of their longitudinal axis is not achieved by corrugations, but rather through correspondingly bent flaps of the pressure strips. Thus, a different development of the pressure strip is a necessary result of both differences. Further, as compared with the arrangement in FIG. 6, the external energizing circuits are omitted. Neglecting these differences principally the same construction and the same manner of operation of the switching arrangement is yielded, as it was described in the previous arrangements, so that in the following only the principal individual parts of the arrangement will be listed. In this embodiment, the numerals 130 and 131 represent two systems of switching arrangements, which in any given case possess a pressure strip 132 or 133 with gripping elements 134, two armature spring strips 135 and 136 or 137 and 138 with armature 139, flux strips 140 and gripping elements 141, further contact strips 142 or 143 with pole strips 144, contact members 145 and gripping elements 146, and, finally, separator rolls 147. These parts are mechanically united to a single system by the self-gripping clamping arrangement onto the separator rolls, and both systems are tightly encapsulated in a' protective cartridge put together from two supports 148 and a case 149. The connectors of this protective cartridge are labeled with the numeral 150 and the securing of the two systems is achieved on the one hand with corrugations 151 in the case 149 and on the other hand through angular flaps 152 of the pressure strip. In place of the permanent magnet, which in the arrangement according to FIG. 6 simultaneously serves as a separator piece but which is not present in the arrangement according to FIG. 12, the pressure strips possessed spring flaps 153 over which the two systems within the protective cartridge race against each other.

The embodiments described hereinabove are considered only to be exemplary of the principles of the invention, and it is contemplated that modifications to or changes in the disclosed structure may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

In the claims:

1. In relay apparatus having a plurality of magnetically actuatable switching arrangements encapsulated in a protective cartridge, the magnetic circuit of each switching arrangement comprising first and second pole pieces and an armature with the free end of said armature extending into an air-gap formed by said pole pieces, the operating parts and supports for the operating parts of said switching arrangements being clamped in a self-gripping manner onto a separate piece which determines the size of said air-gap, the improvement comprising:

at least two construction groups formed from said plurality of switching arrangements, said construction groups being positioned one over the other, said switching arrangements in each said construction group being arranged in a row with the switching arrangements in adjacent construction groups being arranged in pairs, said pairs of switching arrangements being arranged in a single plane with the fixed ends of said armatures in each said pair of switching arrangements being adjacent to one another, at least two support means between which said switching arrangements are clamped to fonn a mechanical unity,

case means connecting said support means and forming therewith a protective cartridge enclosing said construction groups,

pressure strip means for pressing said construction groups against the walls of said case means, and

common external energizing circuit means for each opposed pair of switching arrangements,

each said energizing circuit comprising at least a winding and yoke means having ends outside of said cartridge which are magnetically coupled to the second pole pieces of said pair of switching arrangements.

2. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said protective cartridge is constructed in a gas-tight manner and filled with a protective gas atmosphere.

3. The relay apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said case means and said support means are constructed from non-magnetic material and further comprising electrical connecting elements connecting said energizing circuits with said switching arrangements, said. connecting elements being passed through said support means over meltable glass pressure plugs.

4. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising armature spring strip means for moving said armature, said ar mature spring strip means being constructed from stamped lamina.

5. The relay apparatus defined in claim 4 wherein the free end of said lamina extends beyond said armature in its longitudinal direction to develop a contact tongue.

, 6. The relay apparatus defined in claim wherein said contact tongue is covered with a contact material and is formed into a double contact by longitudinal slitting of said contact tongue.

7. The relay apparatus defined in claim 5 further comprising a contact member on said second pole piece which works together with said contact tongue to form a completed electrical circuit.

8. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising common contact strip means for each said pair of switching arrangements.

9. A relay apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said annature spring strips and said contact strips are formed as electrical leads having connectors provided with connecting flaps.

10. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising permanent magnet means common to all of said switching arrangements for holding said armatures in their given switching positions.

11. The relay apparatus defined in claim 10 wherein said permanent magnet means is arranged between said pressure strips and is mechanically held by spring flaps formed from said pressure strips.

12. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising corrugations formed in said case means on which said separators of the two construction groups encapsulated in the protective cartridge lay on the one side with a part of their free surface and on the other side with their front surfaces. 

1. In relay apparatus having a plurality of magnetically actuatable switching arrangements encapsulated in a protective cartridge, the magnetic circuit of each switching arrangement comprising first and second pole pieces and an armature with the free end of said armature extending into an air-gap formed by said pole pieces, the operating parts and supports for the operating parts of said switching arrangements being clamped in a self-gripping manner onto a separate piece which determines the size of said air-gap, the improvement comprising: at least two construction groups formed from said plurality of switching arrangements, said construction groups being positioned one over the other, said switching arrangements in each said construction group being arranged in a row with the switching arrangements in adjacent construction groups being arranged in pairs, said pairs of switching arrangements being arranged in a single plane with the fixed ends of said armatures in each said pair of switching arrangements being adjacent to one another, at least two support means between which said switching arrangements are clamped to form a mechanical unity, case means connecting said support means and forming therewith a protective cartridge enclosing said construction groups, pressure strip means for pressing said construction groups against the walls of said case means, and common external energizing circuit means for each opposed pair of switching arrangements, each said energizing circuit comprising at least a winding and yoke means having ends outside of said cartridge which are magnetically coupled to the second pole pieces of said pair of switching arrangements.
 2. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said protective cartridge is constructed in a gas-tight manner and filled with a protective gas atmosphere.
 3. The relay apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said case means and said support means are constructed from non-magnetic material and further comprising electrical connecting elements connecting said energizing circuits with said switching arrangements, said conNecting elements being passed through said support means over meltable glass pressure plugs.
 4. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising armature spring strip means for moving said armature, said armature spring strip means being constructed from stamped lamina.
 5. The relay apparatus defined in claim 4 wherein the free end of said lamina extends beyond said armature in its longitudinal direction to develop a contact tongue.
 6. The relay apparatus defined in claim 5 wherein said contact tongue is covered with a contact material and is formed into a double contact by longitudinal slitting of said contact tongue.
 7. The relay apparatus defined in claim 5 further comprising a contact member on said second pole piece which works together with said contact tongue to form a completed electrical circuit.
 8. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising common contact strip means for each said pair of switching arrangements.
 9. A relay apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said armature spring strips and said contact strips are formed as electrical leads having connectors provided with connecting flaps.
 10. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising permanent magnet means common to all of said switching arrangements for holding said armatures in their given switching positions.
 11. The relay apparatus defined in claim 10 wherein said permanent magnet means is arranged between said pressure strips and is mechanically held by spring flaps formed from said pressure strips.
 12. The relay apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising corrugations formed in said case means on which said separators of the two construction groups encapsulated in the protective cartridge lay on the one side with a part of their free surface and on the other side with their front surfaces. 